This edition: 25th Season Premiere-NYCIASL 2012-AS Roma Tour USA

Episode Details

Original tape date: September 12, 2012.

First aired: September 26, 2012.

First on ITALICS we’ll join The New York Conference of Italian American State Legislators as they celebrate “Italian American Day” at The State Capital in Albany, N.Y. New York State Senator Joseph Griffo, President of The Conference/NYCIASL, was joined by a large contingent of the legislator’s , past and present, in this annual celebration of Italian American Heritage and Culture all day and night around the Capital City Region.

Official Ceremonies started in the morning and for lunch in the well of the Legislative Office Building. Among Those honored for their individual achievements included NY Mets Pitcher John Franco, Broadcast Journalist Rosanna Scotto and the Hon. Peter F. Vallone,Sr., Former Speaker of The NY City Council. The Festa Italiana, held later at the nearby Italian American Center in Troy, N.Y. capped off the day. NY State Senator, Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr, and Assemblywoman Joan L. Milliman were Honored for their personal efforts sporting the Conference and the greater Community.

Next on ITALICS we follow AS Roma, Italian soccer team on their recent summer tour of some of the great cities of the United States, bringing Calcio, or football, the beautiful game to America. AS Roma, the Giallorossi, Yellow Reds, or I Lupi, the Wolves as they are also known, are one of two teams that represent the capital city, Rome, in the major professional Italian Football League, Serie A. In February 2011, a consortium of Italian American businessmen, lead by Mr. James Pallotta, President, purchased controlling interest in AS Roma, making the Giallorossi the only Major Italian Football team in the history of the league to be owned by American Interests. After Matches in Chicago’s Wrigley Field and Boston’s Fenway Park, Italics caught up with the Wolves at a friendly against the National Team of El Salvador. Before and after the match Italics spoke with International Football Superstar Francesco Totti, and Michael Bradley, American National Star and rising International Player, along with Roma Coach Zdenek Zeman. Bill Schempp, ITALICS Sr.Producer and known Romanista reports from Red Bulls Arena in nearby Harrison, New Jersey.

About this series

Italics, Television for the Italian American Experience is a monthly presentation in the CUNY Presents timeslot, that features prominent Italian-Americans in the arts, business, government, sports, academia, and more. Each episode explores various aspects of the diaspora, Italian American history and traditions, contemporary Italian American life, and takes a projected look at the future of the Italian American community. Italics is now in its third decade serving the Italian-American community and those interested in Italian American history and culture.

Italics is hosted by Anthony Julian Tamburri, Dean of the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute of Queens College/CUNY and Professor of Italian & Italian/American Studies,.

Italics is co-produced with the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute at Queens College/CUNY.